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Author: Firqin

Perempuan: Muslim Women in Singapore Speak Out is the seminal project by the gender equality advocacy organization: AWARE Singapore. A first of its kind, this anthology provides a platform for Malay Muslim women to vocalize their experiences and struggles as an individual that embodies both of identities. The stories in this anthology are incredibly personal, ranging from fighting stereotypes at the workplace, sexual orientation and resisting patriarchy within the community. Continue reading “Book Review: “Perempuan: Muslim Women in Singapore Speak out””→

Singapore intends to commemorate (and by extension celebrate) the bicentennial anniversary of colonial rule. As of 2019, it would have been 200 years since the British landed on our shores and strongarmed the local rulers to sign an unjust treaty. The prime minister has stated that it is not a time to celebrate, but a time to reflect on our history. It is no question that colonialism has brought nothing but harm around the world and there are present-day efforts to decolonize our actions, policies, and even thoughts. But how do you reflect when the state constantly places prestige, extravagance and credibility to even just the name “Raffles”?

I met with all my old friends. We had fun, we talked politics, we talked experiences, we laughed, we drank, we ate, we explored, and we laughed some more. Toronto is such a beautiful city and incredibly underrated. I miss my time here.

I came to Canada for an exchange program 5 years ago, and tbh, I was extremely nervous and not excited for the semester. I had thought Canada was too far, I didn’t know anyone who was headed there, and I wasn’t sure if I would survive the cold. But, I still went ahead. What I thought will be a boring, non-exciting experience turned out to be one of the best times of my life! And I’ve always secretly made plans to go back (perhaps to stay longer). I went back recently, and felt like I was 22 again. It was refreshing, rejuvenating and an incredibly healing journey for me.

It’s hard being a person. Nobody truly tells you this, nor are we really encouraged to look into this fact deeply. As a society, we are uncomfortable with confronting sadness and despair, and would rather concentrate on a superficial, easy-to-understand pursuit of happiness. We are taught to meet our basic material needs, to obsess over our educational and career paths, and to succeed in our society. Far less emphasis is placed on meeting our very important psychological and emotional needs, and in fostering the kind of habits that are emotionally healthy not just for us, but in our reactions to others as well. Very often, even basic emotional responses and sensitivity is stigmatized. Just think of common, dismissive phrases one often hears – “Don’t be so sensitive,” “You’re being oversensitive,” “Why can’t you take a joke?”